A rescue strategy has been drawn up by the Jamaican government in an attempt to save hundreds of banana jobs on the island, as well as maintain the fruit’s export trade to the EU, the country’s main export market.

The plan involves loaning US$4.2m from the Development Bank of Jamaica, giving assurance to Jamaica Producers Group Ltd on the condition that it secures the employment of 800 workers at two banana estates.

The government has also agreed to cover insurance should the industry be hit by another severe hurricane.